THAAD protests continue in ROK

SEOUL - Protests against the deployment of the US THAAD missile defense system continued in South Korea on Monday amid a controversy over which side would shoulder its $1 billion cost.

Civilian loss complicates peace in Iraq

BAGHDAD - The US-led coalition has come under increasing scrutiny by monitoring groups regarding civilian casualties in the fight against the Islamic State group in Iraq, a turn that is worrying some in the country's political leadership who fear the destruction and loss of life could complicate hopes of reconciliation with the country's minority Sunnis.

Myanmar still strives for national reconciliation

YANGON - Myanmar has vowed to continue to strive for national reconciliation and peace, setting May 24 to hold the second meeting of the 21st Century Panglong Peace Conference in Nay Pyi Taw for five days, a dialogue open to all ethnic armed groups.

Online shopping getting more popular in Indian cities

NEW DELHI - "I have a very demanding job and I like to stay indoors over the weekend to spend time with my children. Shopping for grocery online gives me the luxury to make choices at my own pace and avoid crowd for a day," said Swasti Singh, an IT professional in New Delhi. Singh is among many of India's middle class that benefit from the booming e-commerce industry in the country.

One third Aussies have high blood pressure: study

CANBERRA, Australia - More than a third of all Australians suffer from high blood pressure, but around half are either unaware or not taking adequate steps to combat it, according to the Heart Foundation South Australia on Monday. In a statement released as part of Heart Week, which runs from April 30 until May 6 in Australia, Heart Foundation South Australia CEO Imelda Lynch said routinely monitoring one's blood pressure would help Australians avoid the "silent killer" and the "ticking time bomb" which is heart disease.

French campaign revs up with rival rallies

Tense competition interrupts the usual calm of the May Day holiday

Voters skeptical over key answers

As the decisive second round in France's presidential election nears, many voters are skeptical that either of the two candidates can solve chronic unemployment or tackle security concerns, a poll published on Sunday found.

Japan sends largest warship on its first protection mission

TOKYO - A Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force "helicopter carrier" set sail to escort a US Navy vessel in the Pacific, marking the first time such a protection mission has taken place under the controversial new security legislation.

Renzi re-elected as ruling party head

ROME - Matteo Renzi, staging a political comeback less than five months after resigning as Italy's prime minister, easily regained the leadership of the ruling Democratic Party, or PD, on Sunday with an overwhelming victory in a primary election among party supporters.

Turkey threatens more strikes on Kurds

BEIRUT - Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Sunday his country may take further action against Kurdish militants in Iraq and Syria, as US-backed forces in Syria closed in on the last neighborhoods of a former stronghold of the Islamic State extremists.

IN BRIEF (Page 12)

Country celebrates workers' efforts

Today marks the 127th International Workers' Day, or May Day. It is the day that Chinese people all celebrate the workers, expressing their appreciation for their diligence and hard work.